Belize is definitely an underrated country for what it has to offer. Filled with the friendliest people on earth, the most mouthwatering foods in Central America, magnificent flora and fauna, and such diverse ecosystems. Not to mention, the landscape is kept mostly untouched. You will get to see nature in a pristine state and experience first hand why Belize is nature’s best-kept secret.
The Belize is open for travel as of October 1st, 2020. New
travel restrictions and procedures are in place. Download
Episode 23 of
The Belize Travelcast for more information about the new Belize Gold Standards for Health and Safety.
Belize has it all for every type of traveler. Belize has a
low population density, which means you won't find the huge crowds of tourists that other destinations have. We've also worked very hard to mitigate the spread of coronavirus while our airport has been closed. We miss you, and we hope to see you soon. Here are 10 reasons why you should put Belize on your travel bucket list.
1. Rich in Culture.
Nestled between the countries of Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, Belize has an area of only 22,966 km². The population is hardly bigger than a small city in the United States of America; but, don’t get it mixed up! Although the population currently stands at 381,008 people, there are over ten different ethnic groups residing in the country. Truly, we are a melting pot. Cultures such as Mestizo, Maya, Garinagu, Creole, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and many others all reside under the shade of this tiny tropical paradise.
2. English Speaking.
Interesting, right? What’s also interesting is the fact that Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America with the official language as English. Although English is the official language, other languages such as Spanish and Kriol are spoken by a large portion of the population. In addition to that, the languages of the various ethnic groups are also spoken.
Don’t know Kriol or Spanish? No worries, everyone in Belize speaks with a heart for knowledge and adventure. Get to know unique features of Belize that can’t be seen or experienced anywhere else in the world. From iconic landmarks such as
The Great Blue Hole to the Maya temples, there is much to learn about the world’s wonders; and, Belize is the best place to do so.
New
Belize is open for travel! On October 1st, 2020, the Belize International airport finally reopened for leisure travel. Tune in to learn more about the latest airport protocols and ... moretravel restrictions.
3. Largest Living Barrier Reef.
Belize holds the record and recognition for the world’s second longest barrier reef system and
the world's largest living barrier reef system in the world! Talk about fascinating! Our barrier reef is also the first largest in the western hemisphere. For everyone who would like to see the reef and all its glory, start Belizing today and book your tour to go snorkeling at
Mexico Rocks, where there is a rainbow of coral formations and plenty juvenile fishes, or
Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where there is less coral formations but has a variety of bigger fishes. Sounds amazing, right? Who wouldn’t want to be at Belize’s barrier reef?
4. Island Escape.
After your snorkeling trip, you can tour the islands of Belize, which are close by! You can pick, choose, and refuse where you would like to visit.
There are about two hundred islands in Belize. No need to fight, there’s enough sand, sun, and sea for all of us!
Even Leonardo DiCaprio wanted a piece of paradise – he owns an island here in Belize. This, together with our low population density means that you might enjoy a day on a small island without hardly seeing anyone else. It's the perfect social distancing destination. Kicking back on the beach with a beer in hand while Madonna’s La Isla Bonita plays in the background sounds like the perfect vacation to me! The main island towns in Belize are
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and
Caye Caulker.
6. Ancient Maya Temples.
Not a fan of the beach? Don’t sweat it, mainland has your back. Explore Belize’s tropical rainforests and feel the history as you climb up the temples of ancient Maya Civilizations!
Belize has over nine hundred Maya Sites throughout the country! From the heights of
Xunantunich to the conch shell remains of
Marco Gonzalez, Maya history is an evident and vital aspect of today’s Belize.
POP QUIZ! What is the tallest building in Belize? Figured it out yet? The answer is not a corporate office but rather a Maya Ruin. Those ancient Maya structures stand tall and proud – just like every Belizean. The tallest building in Belize is the Caana temple at the
Caracol archaeological site.
7. Birding Paradise.
On top of these temples, you will meet the most scenic views of our landscape. Be sure to keep your eyes open in case you catch one of our
almost
six hundred species of birds! Have your binoculars and cameras ready to snap a picture of the vibrant Keel-billed Toucan, Belize’s national bird. Be sure to check out the annual
Belize Birding Festival to find out more about birding in Belize.
8. Rainforest and Caves.
Climbing down the temples, we meet the most exquisite caves and cave systems that exist on record.
Belize has the longest and largest cave system in Central America, and hosts this cave system in the largest contiguous block of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon. Belize has the highest percentage of forest cover in Central America and there are 103
protected areas which constitute approximately 36 percent of the country’s land territory. Talk about tooting our own horns! One of the most famous caves in the country is the
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. Be careful, though! Inside the cave still has the remains of human bones, pottery and artifacts.
9. Jaguar Reserve.
As much as we promote our jewels to the world, we also take pride in protecting and conserving what Mother Nature has blessed us with. In fact,
Belize is the first and only country in the world to create a Jaguar nature preserve, known as
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.
Still sitting in front of your computer screen? Start Belizing and take a trip to The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve! Yes, you can visit this reserve! Lace up your tennis shoes and take a hike on the nature trails to see spectacular waterfalls and picturesque mountain views.
10. Delicious Food.
After all the adventures, don’t forget to satisfy the tummy! Remember, a hungry man is an angry man – and no one likes an angry man.
Local cuisines are mouthwatering and satisfying! If your body is not in shape for the adventure, let your taste buds do the adventure for you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is on us! Any of our
roadside food shacks or in-town restaurants will be glad to serve up a delicious plate of our signature dish, rice and beans with stewed chicken and salad. But don’t stop there! Try our salbutes, panades, tacos, cow foot soup, escabeche, chimole, bollos, sere, boil up and dukunu, just to name a few. Don’t know what I just listed? Let’s go Belizing and you’ll find out! There is much to discover, learn and experience in Belize.
Are you ready to go Belizing?